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When the pandemic hit, I suddenly got really into fashion and dressing up. I also gained weight throughout 2019 – 2020, so I needed to upgrade my wardrobe. Though I’m a total grinch, one of my favorite fashion seasons is the holiday season. I love the reds and browns of fall and the metallics of the December holiday season! I love being the sexy one at the holiday party!

Dressing a plus-sized body is hard, especially if you’re a femme. The fashion for us is at once infantilizing and yet bland. Sexy for many plus-sized fashion retailers looks like that little shoulder cut-out they force into a perfectly fine shirt. Or culottes. Or hideous florals. It feels like retailers are stuck in the What Not To Wear era of fashion for fat bodies that includes A-line skirts and items that mask the body instead of accentuating what we love about ourselves. It also is pretty hard to find retailers that make plus-sized clothing above a 3X or a size 22, so I’ve tried to highlight brands that make clothes for bodies that are above a 3X or can make custom pieces tailored to your body. The call for inclusive sizing in fashion is important and necessary!

I often get complimented on my clothing and overall style, and I have a great eye for things that fit me, so I feel qualified to make this list. Here are some looks that will make you the best dressed at your family get-together, your office party, or your solo celebration.

ThanksGIVING

For Thanksgiving, I wanted to present looks that combined all the colors I love from fall. Here are pieces that can be worn throughout the season with staples and some creative, bold numbers. If you plan to celebrate the holiday the traditional way as many people do, you may plan to eat…a lot. So something that fits your body with a little stretch here and there is ideal for comfort.

Hot Looks for the Cold

Outfit A:

1. ASOS Cream V-neck Fluffy Sweater ($36) // 2. Vista Wide Leg Pant in Antique Bronze from Mien ($98) or 3. Loud Bodies Black Tencel Skirt ($70)

Outfit B:

1. Universal Standard Cloud Silk Turtleneck in Dusty Rose ($138) 2. J Brooks Faux Leather Skirt ($30)

Outfit C:

Mien Flutter Sleeve Jumpsuit in Plush Mauve ($148)

Outfit D:

Loud Bodies Michelle Linen Dress in Black ($110)

December Holiday Season

For the December holiday season, I envisioned things that will keep you warm or make you stand out, because a hoe never gets cold. Whether you’re a jeans and sweater type or a show stopper, these shops will have something for you.

Metallics

Outfit A:

ELOQUII Sequin Wide Leg Trouser ($100) + Top ($100)

Outfit B:

1. Black Essential Turtleneck from Big Bud Press ($58) // 2. ELOQUII Multi-Sequin Trouser ($100)

Outfit C:

1. ELOQUII Sparkle Slip Dress with Slit ($100) // 2. Faux Fur Bomber from Hilary MacMillian ($325)

Outfit D:

1. Universal Standard Jumpsuit in Fig ($178) // 2. The Sloane Trench by Hilary MacMillian ($325)

Thicccc

Outfit A:

Rachel Spaghetti Strap Velvet Dress from Dia & Co ($134)

Note: This also can be worn with a faux fur bomber jacket in a different color.

Outfit B:

1. J Brooks Boutique Lilly Colorblock Sweater ($30) // 2. Universal Standard Joni Highrise Skinny Jean ($98)

Outfit C:

1. ELOQUII Sweater with Novelty Stitch in Teal ($65) // 2. Big Bud Press Western Pants in Off White ($90) or 3. Ulla Popken Printed Palazzo Pant ($56)

Outfit D:

1. Loud Bodies Celie White Linen Shirt ($165) // 2. Universal Standard Ponte Black Pants ($94) // 3. The Sloane Trench by Hilary MacMillian ($325)

Mariah Carey Approved

1. Igigi Ambrosia Dress in Bourdeaux ($198) // 2. X plus Wear Split Off Shoulder Dress in Red Wine ($55) // 3. X Plus Wear Solid Color Split Dress in Red ($53)

Some of these brands are more affordable than others, so I’ve tried to find high-end stuff that will last from shops that accept Afterpay or Klarna as an option to split up payments. A lot of these pieces can be mixed and matched, so find the look that works for you!

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